Plans for Scotland’s first artificial surf park approved

PLANS have been approved to create Scotland’s first artificial surf park near Edinburgh.

The Wavegarden development in Craigpark Quarry, near Ratho, will include a surf school, self-catering guest lodges, a waterfront cafe and restaurant, retail spaces, a bike skills track and a snow sports training jump.

The multimillion-pound centre will see the quarry transformed into a man-made lake by landscape architects HarrisonStevens and it is expected to create up to 130 jobs.

Spanish company Wavegarden will install underwater technology that can create 1,000 waves per hour, from slow moving white water for beginners through to powerful barrels up to two metres high for experts.

Andy Hadden, co-founder of Tartan Leisure Ltd which is developing Wavegarden Scotland, said: “We are thrilled that the plans for Wavegarden Scotland have been approved.

“We believe that this facility will deliver many benefits for the local community and for Scotland by offering world-class adventure leisure amenities alongside a wonderful country park for walkers, runners and cyclists to enjoy.

“Another very exciting aspect is the opportunity to nurture surfing and sporting talent. With Scotland’s own surfing team starting to make a mark on the global surf scene, we hope to inspire the next generation of surfers, life guards, and active outdoor enthusiasts.”

Andy Hadden in Craigpark Quarry as it looks currently (Tartan Leisure Ltd/PA)

A similar centre, Surf Snowdonia, opened in 2015.

Mark Boyd, captain of Scotland’s national surfing team, said: “Scotland’s surf scene is growing and we have some exciting home grown talent breaking onto the scene.

“With surfing making its debut as an Olympic Sport at Tokyo 2020, Wavegarden Scotland will play a key role in encouraging and developing future Scottish surfers and putting this fantastic sport in the spotlight.”

Josema Odriozola, founder and chief executive of Wavegarden, said: “It’s great to see that the planning application has been approved, so now Edinburgh will have its own surf spot for everyone to enjoy.

“This now means Scottish locals and tourists alike can experience the exhilarating feeling of surfing, regardless of their level.”